HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - April 30, 2019 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Special City Council meeting of April 30, 2019, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore
Kuehne at 7:00 a.m.
Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne
Absent: Mayor Chandler
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
NOTE: Council Member Johnson participated in the meeting via teleconference.
B. Regular Calendar
B-1 Provide Direction on Fourth of July Events
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services (PRCS) Director Jeff Hood provided a presentation
regarding Fourth of July events. Specific topics of discussion included contract expiration with
current fireworks vendor; quotes from vendors for fireworks and bids from vendors for temporary
fencing around Lodi Lake; significant increase in the cost for fencing; and request for Council
direction on how to proceed and how to fund the increased costs of the event.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, Mr. Hood stated the City's revenue for the Fourth of
July event is roughly $200 from various vendors. There is no entrance fee charged for the event,
and Council directed a number of years ago to keep it a free event. Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne
suggested the City revisit that and consider charging an entrance fee.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hood stated vendors all point to increases in steel
costs for the additional cost to fence Lodi Lake. Council Member Nakanishi stated he believes the
City should move forward with the event this year and ask citizens next year what they want in
light of the increasing costs.
Council Member Johnson felt confident the public would resoundingly support the continuation of
the Fourth of July celebration at Lodi Lake and suggested utilizing Measure L funds to cover the
increased costs, as well as approaching service clubs and foundations for donations. In further
response, Mr. Hood stated time is of the essence to commit to a fireworks vendor, but the fencing
companies are a little less time sensitive.
Council Member Mounce reminded that Measure L raised taxes and citizens were told that
services would remain status quo. The Fourth of July event is a tradition, and the City should
keep its promise to citizens and move forward with the event. Mr. Hood pointed out staff was not
recommending eliminating the event; rather, it wanted direction from Council on how to fund the
increased costs. Council Member Mounce reiterated it should come from Measure L money.
Carol Gozure, east side resident, stated she attends the fireworks celebration every year and
supports the fencing; however, she shared the difficulty those with disabilities have in accessing
the Lake, especially with the fencing on Laurel Street, which is closed off to everyone but those
who live there. She suggested either removing the fencing on Laurel Street or adding another
checkpoint at that location so handicapped individuals do not have to walk all the way around the
Lake to get to the entrance.
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Mr. Hood stated there is a handicap drop-off location at Loma Street and Turner Road, across
from the Lake entrance, that allows individuals to be dropped off, while drivers find a suitable
location to park.
Jeff Bull expressed opposition to the fencing, stating that for years the event continued without a
problem, but after only one incident the fencing went up from that point forward. He suggested
trying the event again without the fence because people like to arrive early to get a good spot and
there are many responsible individuals who will be there to stop any trouble.
Lodi Police Captain David Griffin stated that for years people were bringing alcohol, gas grills,
and glass bottles into the lake, all of which are prohibited. The fencing was put up to regulate that
activity. Attendants check coolers for alcohol and individuals for weapons and gang colors. He
stated the fencing has led to a decrease in crimes and negative activities occurring during the
event. Captain Griffin added that fencing provides safety and security for everyone at the event,
especially nowadays with the potential of violence at large gatherings.
In further response, Council Member Mounce stated that prior to fencing the event there were
fights, drunken behavior, and a friend of hers was shot at the park. She was not in support of
removing the fencing for this event.
Council Member Nakanishi also expressed support for continuing with fencing the Fourth of July
event.
C. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
7:18 a.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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